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When To Fertilize After Overseeding

Fertilize the lawn about six weeks after you sow the seed. Apply a pound of quick-release nitrogen fertilizer for every thousand square feet of lawn space. For example, if your lawn is 5,000 square feet, you would need five pounds of quick-release nitrogen fertilizer for your specific grass type.

Can I apply fertilizer after overseeding?

How long after reseeding or overseeding my lawn should I wait before fertilizing? Your best bet is to fertilize your newly seeded or overseeded lawn with Scotts® Turf Builder® Starter® Food for New Grass directly after seeding. Then, you need to wait 6 to 8 weeks before fertilizing again.

What kind of fertilizer should I use when overseeding?

Use a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer, such as Milorganite, when overseeding. Mixing Milorganite with the seed not only makes nutrients available to the grass when it needs it, it also makes it easier to see where the tiny seeds have been broadcast. This counts as the fall fertilization.

Should I use starter fertilizer when overseeding?

Overseeding requires one half of the grass seed that would be needed for seeding a new lawn. If you didn’t apply starter fertilizer before spreading the fescue seed, it’s not too late. It doesn’t really matter if you fertilize or overseed first. Simply apply the starter fertilizer after overseeding the lawn.

Should I fertilize my lawn after overseeding?

Overseeding Maintenance Always wait until the grass is dry before you mow. Fertilize the lawn about six weeks after you sow the seed. Apply a pound of quick-release nitrogen fertilizer for every thousand square feet of lawn space.

Can you put fertilizer on new grass seed?

Fertilizing Your New Grass Apply starter fertilizer only once you’ve lightly raked your soil and before you sow your grass seed. Once your grass has seeded, the next round should be a regular fertilizer application – this round should only occur four to eight weeks after the first, starter application.

What is the best way to overseed an existing lawn?

Mow Low. Before overseeding your thin lawn, cut your grass shorter than normal and bag the clippings. After mowing, rake the lawn to help loosen the top layer of soil and remove any dead grass and debris. This will give the grass seed easy access to the soil so it can root more easily after germinating.

Can you put fall fertilizer on new grass seed?

A final application of fertilizer in the fall before the first frost can also provide a beneficial boost for your grass through the winter and lead to more growth come spring. I like to use a phosphorus-heavy fertilizer in the fall to encourage deep root growth.

Does overseeding help with weeds?

Overseeding a weedy lawn will not kill weeds on its own. However, thick grass growth produced by overseeding prevents new weeds from sprouting. In order to keep your lawn weed-free with overseeding, first, kill any existing weeds, then prep your lawn and spread new grass seed.

Should I mix grass seed with topsoil when overseeding?

The seed can be mixed with Lawn Topdressing and applied to the lawn jointly. This will save a bit of time and effort working the topdressing and seed into the surface. The seeded area must be kept moist, therefore, water your lawn after 2 or 3 days if no rain has fallen.

How long should I wait to mow after overseeding?

After you lay down your seedlings, they’ll need time and the right environmental protection to grow. They’ll need to acclimate and set roots before the first mow, so during the first two to four weeks post aerating and overseeding, don’t mow.

Can you walk on grass after overseeding?

Can you walk on the lawn after overseeding? No, it would be best if you didn’t walk on any lawns after overseeding. New grass is as fragile a new plants; seedlings need to establish a robust root system in the soil. If you want a lush lawn, then wait until the lawn is about 2-3 inches in height before walking on it.

What is the best fertilizer for new grass seed?

The best fertilizer for a new lawn should contain a high amount of nitrogen and phosphorus. The former will make your grass lush, vibrant, and green, while the latter will help it absorb nutrients. Potassium is another key ingredient here, as it reduces the chance of disease.

Is triple 12 fertilizer good for lawns?

The Basics of Lawn Fertilizer they are the primary nutrients that feed your lawn and different brands provide varying amounts. So a bag of 12-12-12 will have 12 percent nitrogen, 12 percent phosphate, and 12 percent potassium, these are the major nutrients that your lawn needs.

How do I fertilize and seed my lawn?

How to Seed a New or Existing Lawn Step 1: Prepare the Ground. Dig or till the ground to a 3-inch depth. Step 2: Add Nutrients. Add compost, topsoil and fertilizer and then work them into the soil. Step 4: Protect the Grass Seed. Step 5: Water the Seed. Step 6: Mow the New Grass and Control Weeds.

What to do after overseeding?

WHAT ABOUT CARE AFTER OVERSEEDING? Immediately after overseeding: Water heavily to wash grass seeds into slits. Until grass seeds germinate (first 10-14 days): Water lightly on a daily basis, soaking first one inch of soil. After germination: Water less frequently, but allow for deeper soaking and penetration into soil.

Do I need to aerate before overseeding?

The most important step you can take before overseeding your lawn is aerating your soil. No matter what seed you use, they can’t germinate in compacted soil devoid of water, nutrients, and sufficient air exchange. That’s why it’s crucial to aerate your lawn before starting the overseeding process.

Should you overseed every year?

Make it an annual practice. “Annual overseeding is recommended to thicken lawns and make them more attractive, but also to introduce improved varieties of grass that are hardier, less prone to insects and diseases, and more drought tolerant,” explains Mayer.